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"So... much to my annoyance they're sending three people who could not be more different." Esmarelda began. "All three have their own issues. I've met Avimar before... He is fun in some ways, but his tastes are not for everyone. He'll be polite, until you say no" She explained as she crossed her arms. "Keep him away from the strong drink and we should be alright. I can try to run some interference with him if you'd like, just know I won't be in top shape the following morning." She half joked.
"Bloodmourn is a completely different story. Everything she does is calculated. She never does, says, or hells even things something fully until she's considered all her options. But she's wicked fast at that. Though out of all three she is the one with the most ambition of them. She wants that Hurricane throne, and thus you're either an ally or an enemy." Esmarelda explained as she places her hands on her hips.
"Honestly Mase is probably my favorite. He is an aquatic half-elf and most of his actions will likely be on their behalf more than the Council's. In fact, unless I'm mistaken, there is a settlement of theirs not too far from here. Maybe we can drop a few hints that we'd be willing to open trade and be a haven for trade from the depths? It might spark his interest."
Ashlei laughs out loud and waves her full tankard at the ocean.
"Maybe we should ask our local sea nymph, or whatever she is, her opinions on the aquatic elves and how to deal with Mase? I would think she might be able to offer some sort of insights there. We could even invite her to the party, if we guarantee her freedom and safety somehow. I thought the pirate King was coming too? Shouldn't we invite him if he isn't? I would think he might want to see our results with his own eyes! Oooh...oooh...should we invite that big-deal cleric lady who helped us? The one from the BIG temple..on that island...somewhere?"
Ashlei is already distracted by her next ale, gulping it down at the meeting with gusto.
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[ooc] Man so i meant to get back to this sooner just been a week. I would invite my "wife" LadySmythe? would definitely invite our Allies already on the council. Any shackels impeertan dignataries too like any of the larger settelments port masters. Even if i think it unlikely they will attend I send the invite anyway. treating this like a chellish debutante ball.{/ooc]
"cass you can cast some sort of magic to basically read magical auras on our guests right? like whether there are enchantments on them or their weapons yeah? I'd like you to make a long inspection as we greet out guests i plan to make it a show.
He looked at his outfit again a fancy sea overcoat almost done in the style of the Chellish navy but.... More relaxed. A lot more colorful.
"That, I can do."
"We should definitely introduce the Master of Gales to our aquatic friend to show him out friendliness toward those living beneath the surface. If you think you're up to handling Sorrinash, more power to you Es, you know I'm there for any healing you need, but if he gets out of hand, there's a few spells I can have ready to deal with a werewolf.
"We have quite a bit of stuff accumulated that can ensure we're dressed for the occasion." she adds with a grin.
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"One does not handle Avimar, you direct him." Esmarelda said with a small chuckle. "I can give it a try, just be kind and have a warm bath ready in the morning?" She asked with a smirk. "Though it is good to know where to run to if he gets to... love bitting."
Ashlei, chuckles, and finally sets her tankard down after filling it again.
"Just keep some 'Wolfsbane' in your underclothes and that might keep him from biting the important bits...for a while."
She then smirks.
"Bloodmourn? Maybe I should keep an eye on her...I'm no politician of course, but I'm minor-ly savvy enough to understand her: She's ambitious! She will either underestimate me and make a mistake, or piss me off enough for me to outright kill her. Then I can claim she tried to recruit us to work against the Huricane King...and everyone will believe it. Heck, it might even end up being true!"
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Your fort is now repaired and watches over the harbor protectively, the docks are strong and already you have some traffic as ships are drawn to check out the new port for themselves.
Already you have some inquiries regarding setting up businesses beside the docks. Both those needed to support and repair ships, and those for removing a sailors gold from them willingly.
The day of the feast dawns bright and clear and the three ships of the judges arrive in your harbor.
Three ships arrive offshore and drop anchor, clearly identifiable by the flags flying from their mastheads. The first is the two-masted brig Blood Moon, flagship of Avimar Sorrinash, lord of Olio.
The second is the galley Come What May, vessel of Lady Cerise Bloodmourn. Finally, the frigate Wavecrest flies the banner of Captain Mase Darimar. Boats are lowered into the water from the three ships and head for shore, their passengers surveying the harbor and port with measured, discerning eyes.
Mase Darimar
Cerise Bloodmourn
Avimar Sorrinash
When the pirate lords come ashore, they greet you as amiably as any meeting between pirates allows. Lady Bloodmourn hails you with a flourish, while Avimar Sorrinash gruffly acknowledges you.
Captain Darimar proves the most reserved and introspective, saying no more than is necessary and quietly inspecting the island's shore while Lady Bloodmourn and Lord Sorrinash take part in the normal social graces.
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Cass uses her magic mostly to help set up the party, since she doesn't have a lot of preventative spells. She also keeps her ship ready to launch just in case.
Once the initial pleasantries are out of the way, Avimar Sorrinash wastes no time in getting down to business. In brusque tones, he bluntly suggests that you give them a tour of their fortifications prior to the feast.
During the tour, Sorrinash asks pointed questions about your defenses, trying to determine how knowledgeable you are about defending against offshore raiders.
You can impress him with a successful DC25 Knowledge (engineering) or Profession (siege engineer) check, or by demonstrating your proficiency with targeting and sinking ships in the bay.
Which are you going to do?
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Cass is only too happy to take Sorrinash on a tour, aware that not only is he judging the group's tactical proficiency, but looking at the possibility of his own raid on the fledgling port.
"We're building significant port defenses," she says blithely as they travel along one of the packed-dirt roads behind the palisade wall near the shore. "Elevated areas are getting siege weapons that we have zeroed in on targets in the bay so that we can strike against enemy ships as they arrive. We have fortified areas inland as command centers so they aren't easily vulnerable to ship-based artillery. Landing parties have to fight their way past our palisade wall and troops, and we have firebreaks along the outside to prevent the use of pitch to create a jungle wildfire that would spread into the settlement."
"We've given some thought to magical assaults, too," she adds. "Our group has some formidable magical capabilities to bring to bear. For instance, we have some access to weather-manipulating magic, in case someone tries to come in under a magically-created fog. Similarly, we have a few people who can spot invisible troops and target them before they can open gates or sealocks. And flying opponents are likely to have their magic suppressed, leading to a nasty fall," she adds.
She takes a ladder up to one of the towers that overlooks the bay and reaches the top. The view is lovely, the deep blue water reflecting sunlight and the beaches shining with tan sand and littered with bits of washed-up flotsam.
"Plus we have our own ships for defense in the case of a port raid." She raises her arm and her own ship in the harbor unfurls its sails on its own, unloops its moorings and anchors, and slowly maneuvers into the harbor. Invisible forces take control of the rigging and the sail turns to bring the ship into a defensive broadside position, prepared to blockade. "Even if overwhelmed with an enemy force, we can sink a ship in the harbor, making a close landing impossible; the invaders would have to bring in all of their pirates by launch boats, and those can be easily capsized with magical control of the water or blockaded with magical barriers."
Cassiopeia baffles your guests with b&$$*#$$.
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Anyone else?
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He let Cass display her magical knowledge of the island and its base defenses. While he understood the man's questions he didnt want to give out too much information. he didnt mind giving a pratical demonstration of his engnieering knowledge he did study back home after all with the finest of tutors.
He also suggests they take a tour of the cyclopes ruins if only to relay their battles versus the creatures there He does mention as well the befriending of the river nereid friend. (sorry cant rememeber her name >.<)
[DICE=Knowledge Engineering] 1d20+12
He also suggests they take a tour of the cyclopes ruins if only to relay their battles versus the creatures there He does mention as well the befriending of the river nereid friend. (sorry cant rememeber her name >.<)
Percy impresses Aviamr Sorrinash with an in-depth and technical discussion of fortifications. He may be a bastard but he knows how to build and beat forts.
He gifts Percy a Impossible bottle.
After giving their visitors a tour of your fort, your next challenge lies in entertaining your guests. The fort's mess hall (area B11) is the obvious location to host the feast itself.
Away from the responsibilities of her ship and crew, Lady Cerise Bloodmourn takes especial delight in shore leave and strong drink. Soon after retiring to the mess hall, she asks you for a round of your best drinks and encourages you to share a tale of you adventures on the island.
The time Lady Bloodmourn spent in the noble courts of Taldor gave her a fondness for music and storytelling, and helps her recognize a quality song or tale when she hears one.
Anyone giving it a try?
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It almost seemed on que.
"We set sail at dawn's first light,
With the wind at our backs and our hearts burning bright,
Through stormy seas and treacherous tides,
We brave the waves where the devil hides."
Esmarelda began as she set forth to make herself the entertainment as she had some what done when she first met her now shipmates. Her hands were filled with three bottles and she had adorned herself nicely enough to call attention from Avimar should she need to place that plan into action but not enough to make it tasteless.
"Yo-ho, yo-ho, a pirate's life for me,
With a bottle of rum and the open sea," She moved to Lady Cerise Bloodmourn and offered her one of the rum bottle, a charming smile upon her lips as she kept singing and moved on to Avimar.
"We'll plunder and loot, and we'll never be free," She handed him his bottle with a playful wink and a suggestive glance but did not linger long enough to give him a feeling of expectations.
"For the call of the ocean is our destiny." Esmarelda said, as she handed Mase his bottle, ensuring she made eye contact and seemed the most sincere though the look lasted only a moment.
Then she moved swiftly to wrap an arm around Ashlei grinning
"Our ship is strong, our crew is brave,"
"We fear no man, and we cheat the grave," She added, pulling her own savor Rhialla.
"With cannons roar and cutlass clash,
We'll take the gold in a thunderous flash." Then she began to sway with them as she start the chorus up again.
"Yo-ho, yo-ho, a pirate's life for me,
With a bottle of rum and the open sea,
We'll plunder and loot, and we'll never be free,
For the call of the ocean is our destiny."
She released the two before bounding up and lowering her tone a bit as she sang
"Through the night, 'neath the stars so grand,
We'll sail together, our loyal band,
For treasure and glory, we make our stand,
With the Besmara's Bounty, we'll rule this land."
Esmarelda sang as she motioned to the island around them
"When the battle's done and the sun has set,
We'll drink and sing, there's no regret,
For we live each day with a hearty cheer,
As long as there's rum, there's nothing to fear."
"Yo-ho, yo-ho, a pirate's life for me,
With a bottle of rum and the open sea,
We'll plunder and loot, and we'll never be free,
For the call of the ocean is our destiny."
"So here's to the pirates, bold and true,
With a heart of gold and a ship's brave crew,
We'll sail forever, the ocean's delight,
With a song in our hearts and the stars as our light."
"Yo-ho, yo-ho, a pirate's life for me,
With a bottle of rum and the open sea,
We'll plunder and loot, and we'll never be free,
For the call of the ocean is our destiny."
As Es' throws an arm around Rhialla amid her performance, the first mate exerts a small expression of her will, bestowing her own uncanny luck on her friend to amplify the impact of her performance.
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Lady Bloodmourn is very impressed by Esmeralda's singing and presents the party with a gift.
While this is taking place and the feast is moving into full debauchery one of the Courtesans discretely approaches the party. Whispering there is a problem in the kitchen that needs your aid.
What are you doing now?
Ash takes strides to find out what the problem in the kitchen is soonest.
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[ooc[ Courtesans? Kitchens? they didnt back the poor girl inside the cake again did they? thats not how the surprise cake is supposed to work :P [/ooc]
Thanking the Lady Bloodmourn for her thoughtful gift Percy magnanimously guides the party along to the main dining area deftly motioning RHialla and the girls to see whats going on in the kitchen. It hopefully is something tat doesnt require him to handle things someone has to keep the guests occupied and his skill usually only helped with killing things.... hopefully there was no need for killing things in the kitchen....
With a nod, Rhialla follows Ash, leading the others to see what's happening in the kitchen.
Rhialla & Ashlei reach the kitchen and discover that Rats are coming up frm the root cellar trying to get the food being prepared for the feast.
This would be very embarrassing if your guests found out.
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What are you doing now?
Ash heads toward the nearest door heading below to the cellar.
"I will try to stop the source of the infestation, you cast some sort of anti-vermin spell!"
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Ashlei opens the door to the small root cellar and immediately sees the Rat swarm there!
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What are you doing?
"Evacuate everyone upstairs," says Cassiopeia. "Gonna exterminate."
Waving her hand, Ashlei curses and blasts the swarm with fire!
She then retreats to let the expert exterminator do her thing, and hunting down stray rats as she goes.
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What now?
Realizing she needed to deal with the rat problem NOW, she stops at the top of the stairs and rips a small globe off her necklace...then lobs it into the middle of the now smoking rat swarm with her tongue sticking out.
"Eat my @$$ your furry freaks!"
Necklace 7d6 5d6 3d6 (Reflex DC 14 half)
Type III 0 — 1 — 4 =Available
NOTES: This item appears to be a string or cluster of spherical beads, sometimes with the ends tied together to form a necklace.(It does not count as an item worn around the neck for the purpose of determining which of a character’s worn magic items is effective.) If a character holds it, however, all can see the strand as it really is—a golden chain from which hang a number of golden spheres. The spheres are detachable by the wearer (and only by the wearer), who can easily hurl one of them up to 70 feet. When a sphere arrives at the end of its trajectory, it detonates as a fireball spell (Reflex DC 14 half). -- If the necklace is being worn or carried by a character who fails her saving throw against a magical fire attack, the item must make a saving throw as well (with a save bonus of +7). If the necklace fails to save, all its remaining spheres detonate simultaneously, often with regrettable consequences for the wearer.
Ashlei ends the swarm. Rhialla finishes off the Rats in the kitchen.
Investigating the root cellar, finds numerous small tunnels that the rats used to tunnel into the cellar. A successful DC25 Perception check detects a strange-smelling residue on the floor.
The residue can be identified with a successful DC25 Craft (alchemy) check as some kind of alchemical lure that apparently drew the rats into the cellar. Where the lure came from remains a mystery, however?
There is no sign that any of the visiting Captains have noticed anything out of place in the kitchen.
What now?
Ashlei shows the ‘goo’ stuff to the smart ladies in the group!
As the kitchen gets cleaned up, Rhialla pops out to the dining room to get Cass' attention, asking her to join her in the kitchen for a moment.
Cassiopeia has been enjoying the entertainment while deploying her usual dry wit over the course of dinner, and when Rhialla asks her for an aside she excuses herself from the guests with whom she was socializing and makes her way to the kitchen.
"So I'm guessing you didn't whisk me back here for something fun? What's up?"
Ashlei slaps her hand, wiping the smelly and gooey grease on it.
”Rat goo of some sort. You’re welcome! Heading back to the party meow…”
She then grabs a bottle of cooking wine from one of the kitchen cooks mid-pour, then pours the remainder of the bottle over her hands, then dunking them in a scullery bucket full of soap and dirty dishes.
Drying her hands on a rag nearby, she tosses it on a pile of other dirtier rags.
”You might want burn those…”
"The rats have been taken care of. It looks like they got in through small tunnels in the cellar. This weird goo was all over the floor of the cellar." Rhialla explains.
Cass takes a spoon and uses it to sniff a sample of the goo.
"I could run some tests; at a glance, I'd say..."
"It's a mystery. Probably not accidental, though."
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After drinks, Audessa's courtesans serve the first course.
Captain Mase Darimar questions you on your familiarity with the Shackles and its myriad hidden currents, smuggler's coves, and weather patterns.
Part aquatic elf, Captain Darimar has always held a fascination for the creatures of the deep and the aquatic fey.
What are you doing?